The Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Implementation Scientist to provide technical leadership across the implementation research dimensions of the PATH4AI POCUS Project.
The postholder will be central to designing and executing the project's implementation science strategy, ensuring methodological rigour across study sites, and translating evidence into actionable policy guidance for the Nigerian health system.
The Implementation Scientist will report directly to the Project Director and will work closely with co-investigators, the project coordinator, state coordinators, the JHU team, the Study Advisory Group, and federal and state government partners.
This is a substantive research leadership position suited to an individual with a strong track record in implementation science in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) health systems.

Key Responsibilities

Working in close collaboration with the Project Director, Co-Principal Investigators, and the project coordinators,
Lead the design and operationalisation of the project's implementation science framework, applying validated frameworks.
Co-design the study protocol in collaboration with the other members of the team, the Federal Ministry of Health, state governments, device manufacturers, and the Gates Foundation.
Lead stakeholder mapping, co-design of service delivery and financing models, and facilitation of multi-stakeholder engagement processes at national and state levels.
Oversee facility and provider readiness assessments, community perception research, and the co-design of demand creation and community engagement strategies across the three project states.
Provide technical leadership for the design and adaptation of the AI-POCUS training curriculum for non-expert sonographers, and oversight of the expert review panel established for quality assurance and diagnostic concordance tracking.
Lead the mixed-methods implementation outcomes evaluation at baseline, midline, endline, and post-implementation timepoints, integrating quantitative surveys, service utilisation data, structured observation, and qualitative interviews.
Oversee referral pathway mapping, care-pathway analysis, and the design of standardised referral tracking systems across implementation and control sites.
Lead the cross-work package evidence synthesis and contribute to the development of targeted policy briefs for national policymakers, state officials, professional associations, and donor audiences.
Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and represent the project at national and international conferences and policy forums.
Prepare high-quality progress reports, technical deliverables, and adaptive management inputs throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential:

PhD in implementation science, public health, epidemiology, health systems research, or a closely related field.
Minimum five years of experience designing and leading implementation research in LMIC settings, with demonstrated expertise in applying PAR principles and validated implementation science frameworks.
Strong mixed-methods research skills, including quantitative surveys, qualitative IDIs, FGDs, and KIIs, structured observation, and triangulation.
Experience in maternal, newborn, or reproductive health programmes in Nigeria or sub-Saharan Africa.
Sound understanding of Nigeria's health system architecture, including PHC structures and relevant regulatory bodies.
Proven ability to engage government officials, professional associations, and community stakeholders in complex, multi-level environments.
Proficiency in quantitative analysis software (Stata, R, or SPSS) and qualitative tools (NVivo or Atlas.ti); experience with electronic data capture platforms such as KoboCollect or REDCap.
Track record of peer-reviewed publications and experience presenting at national or international conferences.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to produce high-quality technical and policy documents.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly to Gombe, Ogun, and Kano States throughout the project period.

Desirable:

Experience with AI-enabled or digital health implementation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Familiarity with point-of-care ultrasound, diagnostic imaging, or task-shifting programmes.
Experience working on Gates Foundation-funded or other major donor-funded research projects.
Proficiency in Hausa, Yoruba, or other Nigerian languages relevant to the project states.

Application Closing Date
18th June, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:

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Implementation Scientist